Castle Hill View
Background
Budapest Hungary's capital is centered along the Danube river. The capital has two sides joined by the Szechenyi Chain Bridge, Buda is the hilly district and Pest is the flat district. Budapest has a long history dating back to Roman times. A city that has evolved after having much of it destroyed by the world wars. It is now a vacation hot spot in European competing with many other large cities.
Downtown Budapest
Final Train Stop: Budapest Hungary
Hungary was our last country on a four-country tour of Central Europe. After leaving Vienna, we caught the train to Budapest. The train took roughly 2.5 hours to get to the city center. Upon arrival we boarded the metro for the short trip to our hotel. After researching Hungary, we were surprised by how many things there was to do. This portion of our adventure was three days. Unlike most trips the only pre-purchase we made was for our food tour on the second day all other tickets were purchased at the site, which was never a problem, lines were not very long.
Top Attractions: Budapest HungaryBuda Castle
Castle Gate
It is, another historical palace complex completed in 1265 for the Hungarian kings. Its architecture was changed starting in 1749 to a Baroque style which you see today. The palace overlooks the Danube with sweeping views of the city. Take the funicular up. Buda museum or gallery doesn't allow for pre-purchase tickets.
Parliament Building
Hungarian Parliament Building, which you probably have seen it numerous times in the Viking River Cruise commercials, now you can see it in person. It is on the Pest side of the Danube, we didn't go in for a tour just took picture from Buda Castle gardens.
Thermal Baths
Szechenyi Thermal Baths, spring waters that feed 18 pools. It is the largest medicinal bath containing rich mineral compounds. A very popular stop for the locals and tourists. Built originally by the Romans and later enhanced to what you see today by the Turkish.
Castle Hill, Grounds & Fisherman's Bastion
Castle Grounds
Buda Castle grounds is also home to Castle Hill, where you will see the winding cobblestone streets and Habsburg monuments. It is in the complex with the Fisherman's Bastion.
Fisherman Bastion
Fisherman's Bastion - overlooking the Danube there are unique turrets and terraces to take in views of the river as well as of the Pest side.
Matthias Church
Matthias Church - on the grounds of Castle Hill, a quick walk to Buda Castle and Fisherman Bastion another church to pop in for a quick viewing.
Chain Bridge
Chain Bridge
Szechenyi Chain Bridge - this bridge connects the Buda and Pest sides. There are many cafes on the Pest side to enjoy the scenic views of the Danube and Buda side.
Day One Done
All of the above was a full day of things to see. There are many hotels options this will be one of the few times we don't recommend the hotel we stayed at. There is a Kempski and Four Seasons either will meet your needs.
Budapest at night
We shared dinner at Il Terzo Cerchio, an Italian restaurant that knows how to make fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, a tasty brick oven pizza and fresh pasta. At any opportunity to find a authentic Italian restaurant we can't help but try it. No reservations are needed.
No Surprise: Food and Wine
Our second day was spent with a full day food and wine tour through Taste Hungary. The food tour started at Hungary's oldest farmers' market for the culinary walk portion, no surprise we chose the private option. The second half of the day we went to Tokaj to visit small wine producers.
Our tasting at the farmers market included 8 tastings through the market from horse, pickled vegetables items, a shot of Unicum a local herbal drink, Turo Rudi a chocolate surprise, Langos local street food, and artisanal cheese as just a few of the items.
More Tour Details
Tokaj Winery
After learning of the rich Hungarian food history we continued with the second portion of our full day tour in Tokaj. It is about an hour's drive from Budapest where we enjoyed a hearty lunch and the very uniquely Hungarian soda water. Over the next four hours we spent tasting local wines accompanied by cheese and meat board samplings. We visited two local wine producers. If you have time during your visit to Hungary, we would highly suggest the tour.
In conclusion: Farewell To Budapest
This was our last stop for our four countries vacation. Before leaving Europe instead, we flew back to Berlin where we began our trip to spend another day. Looking back we didn't need another day in Berlin the day and half we spent allowed us to see everything in the city and around. It did make us aware that we would need at least 1-2 more visits to Germany to the everything else.
Budapest Hungary Travel Tips
Get a multi day metro pass to see everything you will need it Hungary has their own currency, they do not use the euro Similar to Spain, Hungary is a relatively cheap vacation in comparison to other large European Cities International airport, is one of the worst we have ever experienced. Go early and understand their isn't any order to the madness. Take a day trip outside of Budapest You don't need to tip anything more than 1-2 Euros if you really liked the service Make this a multi country visit utilizing the European Rail networkOther Travel Tips